Key Takeaways:
– Feeling tired? Your medication might be the cause.
– Common culprits include antihistamines, muscle relaxers, and benzodiazepines. Opioids are also known to cause drowsiness.
– Acetaminophen (Tylenol) and antibiotics don’t typically cause drowsiness, but the conditions they treat (like pain, fever, and infections) can leave you feeling fatigued.
– Fatigue often improves as your body adjusts to the medication, but if it persists or worsens, contact your healthcare provider to discuss alternatives.
Fatigue can be a frustrating side effect, affecting up to 45% of people in the U.S. While health conditions like insomnia, depression, and stress contribute to fatigue, certain medications might also be the culprit. Below are seven types of medications known to cause drowsiness.
1. Antihistamines
Antihistamines, used to treat allergies, hives, and itching, can cause drowsiness, especially older, first-generation versions like:
– Diphenhydramine (Benadryl, ZzzQuil)
– Chlorpheniramine (ChlorTabs)
– Doxylamine (Unisom SleepTabs)
– Hydroxyzine (Vistaril)
Newer antihistamines such as fexofenadine (Allegra) and loratadine (Claritin) are less likely to make you tired. However, cetirizine (Zyrtec) can still cause drowsiness for some.
2. Muscle Relaxers
Muscle relaxers, prescribed for painful muscle spasms, can also lead to drowsiness. Common examples include:
– Cyclobenzaprine
– Carisoprodol (Soma)
– Tizanidine (Zanaflex)
If drowsiness is bothersome, ask your doctor about alternatives like metaxalone (Skelaxin), which is less sedating.
3. Some Antidepressants
Many antidepressants can cause fatigue, especially:
– Trazodone
– Mirtazapine (Remeron)
– Tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline, doxepin)
– MAOIs (e.g., selegiline, isocarboxazid)
SSRIs, such as escitalopram (Lexapro) and fluoxetine (Prozac), are generally less sedating, but they can still cause fatigue. If you experience excessive tiredness, your doctor may adjust your dose or try alternatives like bupropion (Wellbutrin).
4. Anti-Seizure Medications
Anti-seizure medications like topiramate (Topamax), lamotrigine (Lamictal), and gabapentin (Neurontin) often cause drowsiness and dizziness. Fatigue usually improves as your body gets used to the medication, but let your doctor know if it persists.
5. Beta Blockers
Beta blockers treat heart conditions and can also cause fatigue. Common examples include:
– Metoprolol (Toprol XL)
– Carvedilol (Coreg)
– Propranolol
Fatigue from beta blockers typically improves over time, but contact your doctor if it doesn’t. They may need to adjust your dose or switch medications.
6. Opioids
Opioids, such as hydrocodone (Norco) and oxycodone (Oxycontin), are highly sedating. Even lower-strength opioids like tramadol can cause significant drowsiness. If you’re feeling too sleepy, ask your healthcare provider about alternative pain treatments.
*Note: Acetaminophen (Tylenol) combined with opioids doesn’t cause drowsiness on its own, but opioids can.*
7. Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines, such as lorazepam (Ativan) and diazepam (Valium), are prescribed for anxiety and insomnia, so they naturally cause drowsiness. Over time, your body may adjust, but if drowsiness becomes a problem, your doctor may change your dose or try a different medication.
What About Antibiotics?
Antibiotics themselves don’t cause drowsiness. If you feel tired while taking antibiotics like **amoxicillin** or **ciprofloxacin**, it’s more likely due to the infection. When your body fights an infection, fatigue is a natural side effect, signaling you to rest.
Is Medication-Induced Fatigue Temporary?
In many cases, yes. Your body may adjust to the medication over time, reducing drowsiness. However, some medications may continue to cause fatigue as long as you’re taking them. Never stop medication without consulting your doctor, as some can cause withdrawal symptoms.
If you’re feeling unusually tired, your medication might be the reason. While many medications cause fatigue, your doctor can help manage these side effects and find alternatives if necessary. Always talk to your healthcare provider before making changes to your medication routine.